Easter's all white

Easter's all white

Up to four inches of snow swept much of England yesterday as experts warned the icy snap is expected to last all week.

The conditions are set to delay millions today as they try to travel home after the Bank Holiday break.

The Met Office issued severe weather warnings and motorists in many areas were told not to drive unless absolutely necessary.

More than 50 cars were caught in crashes in Suffolk, with a ten-car pile up at Bury St Edmunds.

Elsewhere, the awful conditions closed roads and stranded lorries.

In Horbling, Lincs, a gritter even crashed into a snowy verge as the weather got worse. But excited children thought the wintry conditions were great. Oliver Jones, three tried to save daffodils from the snow in Barnet, Hertfordshire.

North Yorkshire Police described conditions as “horrendous” as they battled a number of minor accidents. A spokesman said: “The major problem is with the roads. It is horrendous.

“The snow came down suddenly. Our advice is only drive if you must.

“I drove six miles to work this morning and it was the worst I can remember for a long time.”

Durham Police said the A66 Transpennine route had been closed for two nights in a row.

Drivers were warned to stay off the roads in parts of north Staffordshire as the snow swept south.

Gales up to 60mph also blasted parts of the country yesterday.

Flights were delayed at Leeds Bradford Airport.

The mercury fell to 4C, compared to a seasonal average of 7 to 11C.

But as Britain’s barmy weather continued, parts of the country including the North West enjoyed clear blue skies.

There will be more chaos today when 16million people hit the roads, and jams will be worse than ever as many children are returning to school tomorrow.

The RAC said: “The most important thing is to leave a lot of time and take a warm drink and a blanket just in case.”

Many rail routes were hit by engineering works but Network Rail insisted they would not over-run.